Status:

Widespread and common in Maryland, and possibly the most widespread and common damselfly in North America (Lam, 2004). Uses ponds and other slow-moving habitats, including brackish water. Quickly discovers man-made habitats.

Description:

This is the starting point for learning damselflies, the quintessential bluet. Extremely similar to Hagen's, Marsh, and Atlantic Bluets. Marsh Bluet is historical. Atlantic Bluet is highly state rare. Hagen's Bluet is restricted to western Maryland and common in Garrett County.

An adult male Familiar Bluet in Dorchester Co., Maryland (10/13/2013). This was the first county record noted for the species, so Familiar Bluet has now been recorded in all 23 Maryland counties. Photo by Bill Hubick. (MBP list)